Exploring the Widening Trend in Racial and Ethnic Differences in Youth Mental Health Service Use

The authors examined trends in racial and ethnic disparities in youth mental health treatment for internalizing and externalizing conditions in the United States from 2002 to 2019.

Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component, the authors analyzed trends in mental health treatment between 2002 and 2019 for youths ages 5-21 years (N=139,242). Logistic regression models predicting treatment were adjusted for age and sex and also for health status, household income, insurance coverage, and geographic region.

The treatment rate for internalizing conditions grew faster for White youths than for Hispanic or Black youths, and this difference tripled (from 1.6 to 5.4 percentage points) from 2002 to 2019. For externalizing conditions, the treatment rate grew twice as fast for White youths compared with Hispanic youths and 50% faster relative to Black youths. Uninsured status was significantly and negatively associated with treatment for externalizing conditions (b=-0.928, SE=0.342) but not internalizing conditions (b=-0.440, SE=0.317). Family income was most strongly linked to treatment among Hispanic youths. For internalizing conditions, adjustments for health, household income, insurance status, and region explained 18% of the treatment gap for Hispanic youths but only 6% of the gap for Black youths in 2016-2019.

These findings highlight widening racial and ethnic disparities in youth mental health treatment. The demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with these disparities varied by type of condition. Addressing socioeconomic determinants alone is insufficient to ensure equitable access to mental health services. Tailored approaches considering clinical, cultural, and societal needs are essential to mitigate treatment disparities.